Varanasi

Quick
FactsLocation : On the west bank of the Ganga (768 kms from
Delhi and 678 from Kolkata) Area : 4,036 Sq Kms Language : Hindi, English and Sanskrit Best Season : October  March

Introduction
Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend
and looks twice as old as all of them put together" are the few golden
lines versed by Mark Twain.
Situated on the west bank of the Ganga, it has been supreme pilgrimage
centre for Hindus since many yonks. Popularly known as Benaras, Varanasi
derives its name from two streams, the Varuna on the North side of the city
and the Assi, a small filtered on the south. Hindus believe that one who is
adorned to die on the land of Varanasi would attain redemption and freedom
from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have
the power to wash away the sins of all individuals.

Varanasi today, is also a hub of education, art and craft. Varanasi is
linked with advancement of spiritualism, religious mysticism, Sanskrit, and
yoga. Many famous and revered poets and novelists such as Prem Chand and
Tulsi Das belonged to the land of Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the
internationally famed Sitar master and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous
Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have stayed here for
major part of their lives. An amazing feature of Varanasi is that the river
front of the city is beautified with ghats and no other place in this world
is believed to have such unvarying quality and soulful atmosphere.

Places of AttractionKashi Vishwanath TempleLocated
at Vishwanath gali, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga
at Vishwanath temple is among one of the 12 Jyotrilingas. The temple has
earned its denomination as the 'Golden Temple' due to its golden painting
done using lot of gold.

Sarnath Museum
It has yielded a rich collection of sculptures, artifacts and edifices of
Buddha and its holy remains. Finest specimens of Buddhist art and other
important remains have been found at this place. Ashokan Pillar , the
national symbol of India is the main attraction of this museum.

Varanasi Ghats
The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to
take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all
sins. There are more than 100 ghats along side Ganga in Varanasi. Some of
the prominent and popular Ghats at Varanasi are the Dasaswamedh Ghat,
Manikarnika Ghat, Harischandra Ghat, Kabir Ghat and Assi Ghat.

Jantar Mantar
It was an observatory made by Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1737. The Jantar
Mantar at Varanasi was built in line with Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain and Jaipur
observatories. This place was constructed to measure the local time, the
sun's declination, altitude, falling of stars etc.

Accommodation
Guided with a passion to serve tourists from various locales, the hotels in
Varanasi, are a true heaven of comfort and hospitality. Listed below are
some of the well-known hotels of Varanasi.

» Siddharth Hotel
» The Golden Buddha (Sarnath)

How To ReachBy Road : Varanasi has a good network of roads. frequent
public and private buses and road transport to all the major towns of Uttar
Pradesh and nearby areas.

By Train : Varanasi is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata,
Mumbai and other parts of India. There are two railway stations in Varanasi,
the Kashi Junction and the Varanasi Junction (also known as Varanasi
Cantonment).

By Air : Varanasi is well connected and accessible to
major Indian cities and tourist spots. There are daily domestic flights to
and from Varanasi to several cities in India.